c7192

Child's name: Fred
Number: C7192
Birthdate: 6/97
State: Washington
Listed: November 2008, Updated 7/09

If you have completed an adoption homestudy and would like to have your information forwarded to this child's worker, contact us.

FRED (6/97) has some very nice strengths for his adoptive family to enjoy, and build upon. He is bright and intuitive. He has a great sense of humor. He is highly responsive when significant adults in his life, such as parental figures, mentors, teachers, counselors, etc., take individual time for him. It is often during those time that adults find him most engaging! Fred is especially proud he has mastered learning how to ride a two-wheel bike, and he had of fun this past summer riding his bike and his scooter, swimming, and just playing outdoors. He also enjoys playing video games and collecting Pokemon cards. Some of his favorite playthings are dragons and robots. He also likes drawing and art. Legally free, Fred came into foster care in June 2004.

Fred’s special needs include symptoms of high functioning autism (Aspergers Syndrome), mild delays, attention difficulties, high energy, and mood swings. Medication therapy has been very important in helping him manage his behavior.

Providing strong support and advocacy on the home front and in his school program help Fred to meet the challenges of his daily needs. He benefited greatly from being in a long-term placement with foster parents who had experience in caring for a child with Aspergers. It was in that setting that Fred was able to see how a healthy family works and how individual family members can work cooperatively with one another. Just recently, he was moved to a new foster home where he appears to be settling in with greater ease than expected.

Fred’s symptoms of autism are most noticeable in his lack of awareness of the need people have for personal space and his inability to pick up on social nuances and cues. Having a calm, patient adult nearby to supervise and redirect him when needed helps to keep him on track. Because Fred is behind in his development, he requires assistance in most areas, or at least gentle prompting for simple tasks like dressing and brushing his teeth.

For the 2009-2010 year, Fred will be in seventh grade. Fred is doing well in his school program which provides behavioral and academic supports. Although it is thought that Fred could be successful in a mainstream school program with the right supports, such a move needs to be well thought out and should not be attempted during his transition into his adoptive family.

Couples and singles parents who have experience with children who have special needs, and who have good resources in their communities are encouraged to call. Fred will also need to have a safety plan in place in his new home with very attentive parental supervision. Having older brothers who can model good safety awareness and healthy boundaries could be a huge bonus for Fred. Over the years Fred has developed good relationships with various adults and has a close relationship to his mental health counselor.

Subsidy and Purchase of Service may be available.

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